Shin arrived at the Sunagakure Arena, clenching a letter bearing the seal of the village Kage in his right hand. He walked casually towards the center of the sandy pit, sat gently on the dirt, and opened the folded paper once more. He read it again to himself, wondering why the kazekage asked for a special meeting at the training grounds. No particular reason merited such a special audience; at least not one that he could think of.

A harsh breeze flicked dust and sand up into the air. Devils born from the dust danced along the dry earth. The arena, cracked and torn, reflected no sign of life. This empty wasteland housed the main gathering for the shinobi arts within the village. Looking out onto this barren pit, Shin smiled. He thought of his home in the desert on the outskirts of Sunagakure. The temperature rose suddenly as the sun peaked in through the clouds.

I wonder what the kazekage could possibly want with me. I can't shake it.

He remained sitting, staring at the stale dirt beneath his feet. His mind rummaged through the multiple possibilities for this invitation and the purpose of the meeting. Shin always thought every instance through completely. The game of life transformed into a game of chess from an early age.

I don't have enough information to draw any type of definitive conclusion. The only assumption I can make is that this letter is real. The official seal proves a safe rendezvous.

He smiled again.

"I guess I'll just have to sit and wait."

WC: 261

Gin yawned loudly. She was actually done with her paperwork for the day, which was something that rarely ever happened. She would celebrate later by burning copies of all of the documents that she had signed and read multiple times. She liked staying informed of what went on within the village's borders, but she very much hated the process of having to read and reread every document that landed on her desk. It was such a bother. But along with the new paperwork came the profiles of new village members and recently graduated Genin. Albeit, most of the new village members had been the displaced slaves that she and Trilby had rescued two months earlier. This, of course, included the young kazekage's own mother who hadn't done anything but nag whenever Gin was around. Joy. She hadn't seen the woman in over eight years and nagging was all she got. However, the fact that there were new Genin gave her an excuse to exit her office and go out for fresh air.

That was exactly the reason why Gin was headed outside and towards the Sandy Arena. She hadn't been to the place in a while. She could use the excercise, not to mention the fact that she wanted to see what her Genin were capable of. To test Academy standards, Gin would randomly choose one of the new batch of Genin without taking grades or anything else into account. The chain is only as strong as the weakest link. She needed to reform the school system if things weren't running the way they should. This afternoon she had called one particular Genin, a man by the name of Shin Shuuki. She had only skimmed over his file. She didn't know how long ago he had graduated from the Academy. All she knew was that he was a year older than she was and still a Genin. It wasn't the norm, but Gin shrugged it off. People had their reasons for late graduations and promotions, she supposed.

The young woman walked down the streets and headed towards the large building that held the arena. It was a nice place to train in. Gin rather enjoyed it, whether she was alone or with someone else's company. Nowadays, she usually trained with Trilby, though she wasn't past training with a Genin. She found it refreshing, actually. Having to hold back sometimes made things more challenging or at least they made things more interesting. All in all, the young woman was glad to be out of the hospital after spending such a long time in and out of there the past few months. Things had gotten hectic, to say the least, but she was now able to walk perfectly well on her own two feet. She was back to wearing her usual outfits, which revealed a great deal of her skin. It kept her cool under the searing sun of Sunagakure's desert. Her hair - now cropped into an almost boyish cut - also helped keep Gin's body temperature at a normal standard. She rather liked her hair that way. She kept Soul Cutter - one of the Seven Blades of the Mist - tied to her waist. The young Kazekage hardly ever parted from the blade. In all honesty, she would be an idiot if she just simply left it there for someone to take, even though it had a protective seal on it, placed by none other than Trilby himself.

Still, Gin loved the blade a little too much. She kept her other sword, Sabaku no Bara, tied next to the wakizashi that was Soul Cutter. That was another sword that she refused to let go of, though mostly out of sentimental value than anything else. Adjusting her short skirt and gi, the young woman entered the arena with a broad smile on her face. She looked forward to this little training session. She spotted him soon enough. He was standing in the middle of the arena, meaning that he wasn’t exactly easy to miss. Gin beamed broadly, though the smile had an eerie connotation to it. It was mischievous, almost hinting towards cruel. “Shin Shuuki!” She called out in a sing song voice. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” She said, extending her hand towards him in order to greet him. “I’m Gin Kuroka, humble Kazekage of Sunagakure. Just call me Gin, or Lady Gin if you feel a terrible need to be formal,” She said as she introduced herself, sounding rather bright and chipper about the whole ordeal, despite the recent chaos and ruin that had been her life recently. "So, I'm expecting a brief introduction from you. Likes, dislikes, motivations - the whole shebang!" She added. She wasn't in a hurry, really. She had spent enough time at home as it was. She didn't need more of it. Getting to know her subordinates was also and added bonus. She searched her item's pouch, feeling past the perverted novels and small projectiles that she kept in there. She finally found what she was looking for and pulled out a small cigarette and a lighter. "Feel free to ask me any questions you might have for me while we're at it," She said as she lit her cigarette and placed the lighter back in the pouch. She inhaled the smoke from the little cancer stick and sighed happily. It was a nice replacement for the alcohol that she was now supposed to stay away from - Mizukage's orders. "Want one?" She asked Shin, referring to the cigarette, of course.

Shin reached his hand out and completed the gesture from his Kazekage. He tilted his head after she began speaking. Her demeanor was peculiar. The invitation he received wasn't specific, but he had assumed that since the meeting location was at an arena that this would be a test of his skills. Now his village leader desired to engage into conversation. But this was also the first encounter Shin had with a shinobi of such stature. He wondered if this was just the usual procedure or something unique to the Kazekage. There was no evidence towards either conclusion. Shin smiled as Gin finished with her introduction. She wanted a description of his personality and history before offering a cigarette, both of which he was not too quick to embrace.

"I've never smoked and I don't plan to start. But I'm sure your future self will give thanks for the tumors."

He smiled again and relaxed his posture. His demeanor had to match hers. The Kazekage's attitude was carefree and calm. Shin could not afford to look nervous or on guard. He did not feel as such, but body language communicates better than thoughts. He had to look the part.

"Isn't it customary to extend an olive branch before asking about a person's background? You look like something's on your mind. Maybe you'd care to be the first to tell me a little about yourself."

It was a probing question. He knew very well that Gin's attitude revealed practically nothing about her mood or personality. That type of composure could be overcompensation or a true facet of her character. Either way, it was nothing definitive. Shin was tired of having a lack of information. He needed it to construct his next move. The longer he stood in the dark, the more this encounter was to his disadvantage. Knowledge is, and always will be, power in this world. Envisioning his environment like a game of chess was one of the sole reasons for Shin's success as a shinobi thus far. His abstract thinking and spatial reasoning skills allowed him to construct unique strategies no matter what the situation. But he could not do this without enough information. He smiled again, finding his counter proposal a bit humorous.

WC: 375

Gin leaned against one of the training dummies in the middle of the arena. Her posture and her expression were coy and easy going. That was the way that the young Kazekage usually was. It had been a while since she had been able to stand on her own two feet and go out on her own. it felt refreshing, especially since she was no longer being treated like a fragile little doll made out of glass. Sure, she appreciated the sentiment. She recognized that she needed to be looked after during that time. If she hadn't she would have likely died. More accurately, she would have let herself die. But that was in the past, wasn't it? She could let go of it. Or rather, she could try to let go of it. But now wasn't the time to deal with that, to face the inner demons that caused all of her pain and suffering. She would be fine. That was all that she needed to know to keep going, to keep moving forward. She would like to think that she was back to being her usual self.

At Shin's comment, Gin couldn't help but chuckle. "People in our profession usually don't see themselves live that long. I might as well indulge in a couple of guilt pleasures while I'm alive, don't you think?" She said as she inhaled from the cigarette once again. The Kazekage couldn't help but chuckle again at Shin's demand for information. Any other person in her position would have likely taken offense to his comment. She knew that Jurou Osada, the current Mizukage, would have likely kicked his ass to next week. The same went for the Hokage, who was widely known for having a rather short temper. However, Gin was different. She was easy going most of the time. She liked being treated as an equal. She disliked all sorts of formalities, which was why she often asked people to call her by her first name.

Gin found Shin's proposal amusing. He wanted information? Well, he would get it. Though the way Gin would speak would likely make him regret ever having asked for her life's story. But then again, this was Gin's own little test. She wanted to see the type of person that this Genin was. Depending on his reaction to her words, she would get an idea of what type of person he was. "You're getting a little ahead of yourself," Gin chuckled. "But if you must know, my name is Gin Kuroka. I'm a sword master, in case you couldn't tell," She said, motioning to the weapons hanging from her waist. "I'm the acting Kazekage and the mother of two little girls who the Mizukage fathered when I was fifteen years old. He left me while I was pregnant and only bothered to show himself after two years. When I was still a kid, my best friend sacrificed his freedom for me. He only repapered a several months ago. When he did, we fell in love. He had asked me to marry him and we were even having kids - twins, actually," Gin paused for a moment, inhaling her last breath from the cigarette before dropping it to the ground and putting it out with her foot. "He's dead now and so are the twins," She said without even blinking. She remained in silence for a moment before speaking again. "Is that enough, or should I also explain my recent near death experience, the miscarriage and the past two months that I spent in the hospital?" She asked and awaited his response.

Shin immediately regretted asking the probing question. He did not do too well with dramatics and highly emotional topics. His brain always flipped the 'off' switch for empathizing to keep his logical processes intact. He had done it even during his childhood.

"Wow... You were gettin' busy quite a bit, eh?"

He smiled and laughed a little. Emotional topics were not easy at all. Shin saw no point in dwelling over those types of issues anyway. Feeling is the opposing force to logic, and as such, was something that he feared. It threatened to distort his objective thinking, and in doing so, distort his ability to reason and plan ahead.

Shin stood up and brushed small clumps of sand off of his clothes. It immediately fell into the rush of wind sweeping through the Sunagakure training arena. It didn't take much wind to kick sand and dust up from the ground and into the breathable air. He covered his eyes and mouth as to make sure he wasn't blinded or choked by some of the incoming sand. After a couple second, though, he put his hands at his side, closed his eyes and mouth, and let the sandy wind caress his body. He missed the desert of his home.

I do miss home at times like this.

A bit of light flickered around Shin as his chakra changed to a light blue color. His kekkei genkai was always active, but the chakra only manifested when a fight approached. He still needed to collect a little more information about the Kazekage. It was nice to be training with someone who had a similar attitude towards life, and possibly a similar personality. This did not mean that Shin would let his guard down though. This was a training session above all else, and Gin had a huge advantage in experience and strength. Shin would have to show off his wits to make an impression.

I have no equipment yet, and the only techniques I've mastered are those related to my clan. I don't know how I'm supposed to put up any type of fight what so ever. ...I guess I'll just have to give it my all.

Shin smiled again towards his village leader.

"I hope you're not too bent out of shape to put in some work for the day. The best thing to do when you're feeling stressed is to take your mind off of it."

He took a couple steps back before the color of his chakra became more prominent. Shin was counting on Gin holding back during their possible sparring match. She could kill him if she used her full power. But he was eager now more than ever. Talking only yielded so much information, and he needed more. There were questions about his Kazekage's Kenjutsu fighting style and techniques that still needed answers. Her demeanor alone couldn't give him everything he needed to formulate a strategy against her. Shin didn't take a fighting stance just yet, but certainly prepared himself for the proper moment to begin.

WC: 510
Total WC: 1,146

Gin smirked at Shin's comment and let out a chuckle. So he deflected uncomfortable situations by making a joke out of them. It wasn't a bad trait to have, really. It definitely set a lighter mood between the two of them. Silence or an apology would have been rather dull in Gin's perspective. Then again, her demeanor was rather strange. She hates false sympathy or any other emotion that could be potentially classified as fake. "You don't know the half of it," She said with a chuckle. It had been about two months or so since the whole ordeal that made her miscarry and already she was in a sort of relationship with someone else. She felt guilty, to be honest, but did she really have to mourn for such a long time? Should she just keep herself from being happy for the sake of someone who was no longer alive? She asked herself such questions often, mostly when she was alone. She hated being left to her own thoughts with nothing else to do. When that happened, the young woman was prone to depression. Memories often invaded her mind and once that started, she was unable to get rid of them.

Gin supposed that that was partially the reason for this little gathering, besides the practical purposes that it served. She needed to keep herself busy. Gin cocked an eyebrow as Shin spoke to her. "Now, now," She began, though wrapping her hand around Sabaku no Bara. Using Soul Cutter would be overkill in this case, though she very much wanted to test out what the sword could do. Oh well, she would have to wait for someone of a higher rank to come along before she did so. "I've just pretty much told you my whole life's story. What was it that you said about the olive branch? I believe something similar should apply to you as well," As she spoke, she drew her sword from its scabbard. The blade shone brightly, reflecting the sunlight that seeped into the arena. She held her katana by her side. She looked as if she had dropped her guard completely, though that was hardly the case. "You still have to answer my first couple of questions before we get this little thing going. Though I've always believed that you get to know people best by seeing them fight, wouldn't you agree?" Gin asked, keeping her eyes locked on the Genin. She stood up straight, no longer leaning against the training dummy and awaited his response.

Shin smiled.

"I'm not much of a talker. Normally I wouldn't reveal any information, but this is a special occasion. It's not every day I get to meet and spar with the Kazekage. Although you may be disappointed. My life hasn't been nearly as dramatic as yours."

He unwrapped the prayer beads on his wrist. They hung loosely, swaying with the sandy breeze sweeping through the arena. Shin's years of solitude in the village, away from his clan, created his habit of silence. He had a knack for keeping dire information out of his conscious mind, filling it only with humor. Every situation could use a good joke. But this was not unknown territory, and the woman standing before him was not an enemy shinobi. He respected his Kazekage enough to oblige her request.

"These beads hanging from my wrist are sewn on at birth. They signify the possession of the kekkei genkai of my clan. On average, only one in every thousand obtain this bloodline limit. Because of this, I was sent to Sunagakure to undergo training in the Academy and then further training as a Genin."

Shin wrapped the prayer beads around his wrist once again. He broke eye contact with Gin and his gaze shifted towards the ground.

"I haven't seen my people in almost a decade. They relied on me to develop my skills. Their ways are traditional and spiritual, only relying on their wits for survival. So, I was born to protect them. In time, I hope to venture to the outskirts of this village and see my people once again."

His eyes made eye contact once more. Shin shifted his stance into one ready for battle.

"But as you said, we learn the most from fighting an individual. Instead of a mere explanation, I will show you what my kekkei genkai is."

He stood still and waited patiently for his Kazekage's response.

WC: 318
Total: 1,464

Gin listened carefully to what he said. So like her, he had also left his family in order to train as a shinobi. She could empathize with the fact that he wanted to return to his original home. However, her expression wouldn't betray such feelings. She simply looked at him with her confident smirk on her face and a mischievous glint in her eyes. There was nothing quite like the anticipation before a battle. Even when fighting someone far below her rank, Gin could feel adrenaline flowing through her veins, even if just a little. She adored the thrill of battle. It made her forget about all of her worries and troubles for a few moments. As Shin finished his story, Gin only nodded. She kept a firm grip on her katana - Sabaku no Bara. She knew that she would need to hold back, though she wasn't quite good at it. She knew very few jutsu that wouldn’t cause severe injuries. Oh well, if she went overboard she would just have to carry him over to the hospital - ugh. How she hated that place with its pretentious medics and smell of antiseptics. The young Kazekage shuddered. She would just have to keep herself in check.

Nevertheless, she wouldn't underestimate the genin. She would respond according to the strength he would show. In other words, she would wait for him to attack. She sank into a basic stance. She was steady, well balanced and on guard. "I couldn't agree more. Show me what you can do," She said, smirking once again. She liked to taunt people while she was fighting. She often found their expressions and reactions priceless. Of course, some were far more susceptible than others in this regard. For instance, she knew that Jurou would never respond to such words, not even if she did manage to strike a nerve. He had the emotional capabilities of a rock. But oh well! That was just the way that the Mizukage was. There was nothing that could really be done about it, was there? Gin thought for a moment, while she waited for Shin to attack. Maybe there could be an easier way for her to restrict herself. She shoved a hand into her pocket, pulling out a small book with a grey cover. It had been a long while since she had last dedicated her time to reading anything. She might as well get back to her... ehem... erotic literature. She flipped the book open on to where she last left off and continued to read. All the while, she could still observe what Shin was doing or planning to do. And if this supposed lack of attention served to infuriate him and taunt him, all the better for the young Kazekage. However, she thought she might as well train a new jutsu while she was at it. She had a new Raiton technique that she wanted to try out – something that would snap her out of genjutsu if she was under one. She concentrated, tapping into her chakra stream. She drew out a small part of her chakra and sent it into her nervous system. The shock and pain was instant. It surged through her entire body. She bit her lower lip to keep herself from yelling. She could feel the blood pooling in her mouth. Yep, that would definitely snap her out of a genjutsu, she had no doubt about it.